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What is triggering my BV?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

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What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

How common is BV?

BV is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44.

How is BV spread?

Researchers do not know the cause of BV. However, we do know the condition most often occurs in those who are sexually active. BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV. We also do not know how sex causes BV. There also is no research to show that treating a sex partner affects whether someone gets BV. Having BV can increase your chances of getting other STDs.

BV rarely affects those who have never had sex.

You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

How can I avoid getting BV?

Healthcare providers and scientists do not completely understand how BV spreads or know how best to prevent it. The following basic prevention steps may help lower your risk of getting BV:

Not having sex;

Limiting your number of sex partners;

Not douching; and

Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

I’m pregnant. How does BV affect my baby?

Treating BV during pregnancy is very important. If you are pregnant and have BV, your baby is more likely to be born early (premature) or at a low birth weight. Low birth weight means having a baby that weighs less than 5.5 pounds at birth.

How do I know if I have BV?

Many people with BV do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice:

A thin white or gray vaginal discharge;

Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina;

A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex;

Burning when peeing; and

Itching around the outside of the vagina.

How will my healthcare provider know if I have BV?

A healthcare provider will examine your vagina for signs of discharge. They also can test a sample of vaginal fluid to determine if BV is present.

Is there a cure for BV?

A healthcare provider can treat BV with antibiotics. If you have symptoms, you should be checked and treated by a healthcare provider. It is important to take all the medicine your provider prescribes, even if your symptoms go away. Treatment also may reduce the risk for getting other STDs. BV can return even after treatment. Male sex partners of women with BV do not need treatment. However, BV can spread between female sex partners.

What happens if I don’t receive treatment?

At times, BV will go away without treatment. However, treatment can help avoid the increased chance of some serious health risks associated with BV, including:

Getting or transmitting HIV;

Delivering your baby too early if you have BV while pregnant; and

Getting other STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. These bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it difficult for you to have children. Workowski, KA, Bachmann, LH, Chang, PA, et. al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70(No. 4): 1-187. Hillier S and Holmes K. Bacterial vaginosis. In: K. Holmes, P. Sparling, P. Mardh et al (eds). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999, 563-586.

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How can I tell the difference between BV and trich?

The signs and symptoms of BV and trichomoniasis may be quite similar to yeast infections in terms of redness, itching and pain. With BV, however, the discharge tends to be thin, white or yellowish, and more uniform in appearance. Trichomoniasis discharge is typically a frothy, greenish-yellow secretion.

Treatment for yeast infections

First-time yeast infections can generally be treated with the over-the-counter anti-fungal medication miconazole (Monistat, Femizol, Vagistat). Recurrent yeast infections may require prescription of an oral antifungal medication. Treatment for BV This depends on the particular bacteria identified from the swab sample. Antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin may be prescribed. Because these are powerful medications with known side effects, it is important to establish the diagnosis before starting treatment. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of recurrence after therapy.Treatment for trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis infections are treated with the oral antibiotics metronidazole or tinidazole. Sexual partners should receive treatment as well.Beware of self-diagnosis and treatment. Even among health professionals, the diagnosis is difficult to make based only on clinical signs and symptoms. Proper diagnosis usually requires microscopic examination of the discharge in order to distinguish between the three types of infections described above. In addition, vaginal discharge may be a symptom of more serious gynecological diseases and should be evaluated through a professional examination.The information contained on www.lifescript.com (the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. LifeScript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by LifeScript is solely at your own risk.

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